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• With tumors removed, liver can grow back cancer free

  
  Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor... of colorectal cancer cancers have already spread to the liver by the time of diagnosis. Many doctors tell patients that they are out of surgical options at that point and recommend chemotherapy.
  
  However, doctors at Ohio State's James Cancer hospital disagree that surgery is never an option at that point. Doctors there, including Tanios Saab, say that if chemo or radiation can shrink the tumor, surgeons may be able to go surgically and get the rest out. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/arti...
  
  The liver is the only solid organ that can grow back once it is cut. Surgeons have found that they can remove as much as 80% of the liver and within a year, the liver will grow back.Read | Permalink http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/09... | Email this http://www.thecancerblog.com/forward... | Comments http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/09...
  

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• Not everyone needs a genetic test before taking Camptosar according to study

  
  Filed under: Chemotherapy http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor..., Colon and Rectal Cancer http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor... study http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas... University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that not everyone needs a genetic test prior to taking Camptosar (irinotecan).
  
  Irinotecan, also known as Camptosar, is used as a second-line treatment for colorectal cancer. The FDA recommends screening for a gene that could make patients more susceptible to the harmful side effects of the drug, namely neutropenia, which is an abnormally low level of white blood cells.
  
  The UNC researchers analyzed data from nine previous studies of irinotecan. They found that patients who received a medium or high dose had a greater risk of neutropenia if they had two copies of a specific variant of the gene UGTA1. At lower doses of the drug however, the risk was the same regardless of UGTA1 status.
  
  The authors, led by Howard McLeod, Pharm.D., recommends that the FDA amend their guidelines to reflect this knowledge. Changing this guideline may help avoid unnecessary tests and expenses as well as quicken treatment waiting times.Read | Permalink http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/09... | Email this http://www.thecancerblog.com/forward... | Comments http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/09...
  

  0 Comments 797 days

• White House Press Secretary Tony Snow announces resignation

  
  Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor..., Politics http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor..., Daily news http://www.thecancerblog.com/categor... House press secretary Tony Snow says his resignation has nothing to do with cancer and everything to do with money. According to sources from the Bush administration, he will step down from his position. Snow, however, is not making an announcement at this time.
  
  Snow did tell conservative talk-show host Hugh Hewitt that financial reasons prevent him from serving the remainder of the Bush administration.
  "I'm not going to be able to go the distance, but that's primarily for financial reasons." Snow said. "I've told people when my money runs out, then I've got to go."
  Snow, who makes $168,000 as the White House spokesman, took a significant pay cut to take his press secretary job in April 2006 and while he reportedly loves his job, it seems his financial sacrifices are just too great. Previously, Snow -- who has three children he is preparing to send to college -- worked for the Fox News Channel and hosted his own nationally syndicated talk show.
  
  At age 52, Snow is battling cancer for a second time. First treated for colon cancer in 2005, a growth in his abdomen led in March to the discovery of a recurrence -- his cancer had spread to his liver. Snow underwent chemotherapy and has been reporting that his health has stabilized.Read | Permalink http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/08... | Email this http://www.thecancerblog.com/forward... | Comments http://www.thecancerblog.com/2007/08...
  

  0 Comments 810 days